Modular Design and ISS

Images: (left) Kennedy, K., “The Vernacular of Space Architecture.” (right) JAXA, 2008. Pressurized Module: About Kibo - International Space Station.

We expect a lot of things in our lives to “just work,” and when they don’t, they can end up in the trash and soon get replaced. But neither of those expectations can be taken for granted in space. Payload and equipment racks offer standardization and modularity, simplifying these maintenance activities, but also turning the station into a customizable chassis for changing needs and future expansion. All of which helps extend the useful life of components and assemblies, as well as the station itself.

So while the aesthetic result can get ugly, the cross-sectional layout that accommodates four racks in a square with service connections at the corners is a pretty brilliant design move. In our race to improve on this system with commercial space station solutions — and I think those improvements do exist — I hope the utility and simplicity of this approach doesn’t get lost.